Change of suspension systems of daggers and swords in eastern Eurasia: Its relation to the Hephthalite occupation of Central AsiaChange of suspension systems of daggers and swords in eastern Eurasia: Its relation to the Hephthalite occupation of Central AsiaAA00498213

46pp.199
-
212 , 2016-03 , Institute for Research in Humanities Kyoto University

ISSN:0084-5515

NCID:AA00498213

Description

VariaThis paper focuses on changes in the suspension systems of daggers and swords in pre- Islamic eastern Eurasia. Previous studies have shown that scabbard slides were used in the Kushan and early Sasanian periods to suspend a sword from a bearer's waist belt. This method was later replaced by a "two-point suspension system" with which a sword is suspended by two straps and two fixtures attached on its scabbard. Through an examination of daggers and swords represented in Central Asian art, I consider the possibility that the two-point suspension system became prevalent in eastern Eurasia in connection with the Hephthalite occupation of Central Asia from the second half of the fifth century through the first half of the sixth century.